However if Facebook perceive Google as their biggest competitor it would make sense for them to explore ways to have more control over how Android users access their services.
If Android does become the dominant smartphone platform, controlled by Google, then it could be used as an effective weapon against Facebook - or a way for Google to (finally) launch a successful social service. Its logical for Facebook to try and mitigate this business risk.
It makes sense for FB to want to control the distribution channels, and given their size and the importance of mobile, doing a FB phone is a plausible strategy. Considering the games that go on with some manufacturers (Apple) and the various carriers, FB should be concerned about its weak hold on the mobile channel.
Whether that means FB branded phones, deals with carriers for preferred placement or access, or something else is hard to say.
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They may be or may not be.
However if Facebook perceive Google as their biggest competitor it would make sense for them to explore ways to have more control over how Android users access their services.
If Android does become the dominant smartphone platform, controlled by Google, then it could be used as an effective weapon against Facebook - or a way for Google to (finally) launch a successful social service. Its logical for Facebook to try and mitigate this business risk.
It makes sense for FB to want to control the distribution channels, and given their size and the importance of mobile, doing a FB phone is a plausible strategy. Considering the games that go on with some manufacturers (Apple) and the various carriers, FB should be concerned about its weak hold on the mobile channel.
Whether that means FB branded phones, deals with carriers for preferred placement or access, or something else is hard to say.